Yeah, that makes sense. My complaints with the ergonomics/interior aren't with the button placement, because those really aren't that big a deal to me. I do have issue with the horrible rear/back-quarter visibility (this car could use a rear camera, seriously), and the garish color of the speedo/tach. Not a fan of…

Hehe... Did I say that out loud?

Were you driving the base Abarth? I have the leather interior, and frankly, it's pretty impressive. But then I like the dash design with its retro look. The tippy feel is annoying, but it's a bit of an illusion. The chassis will lean initially, but then the car tracks very well. I'm probably going to add a rear sway…

For the same amount of money you could buy a lightly used C6 Corvette or a new BRZ/FT-S thing. Out of curiosity, why would you chose the Abarth?

Wow, this guy needs to buy a Toyota, like, immediately. The steering wheel radio controls are both obvious and awesome—took me 2 minutes to get fully adjusted to those. The window controls are not optimal, but come on.

I get no complaints for the 3 sixth-graders I carpool each morning. They scoot right in. I make them leave their huge backpacks in the hatch, though, otherwise they scuff the interior as they try to pull them out the door.

Yep. By every logical metric, the Fiesta ST is a better car. And yet, the Abarth will haunt your dreams.

Yes it is.

Here here!

I think absolute lowest you could expect is $16K for a base model, which is amazing (same price as a new Honda Fit). Mine was leather interior, 17-inch wheels and convenience package for $19K. The Cabrio version would be significantly more though.

The guys at Everyday Driver did a great review of the Abarth, and they do mention it in comparison to the base 500 that they had driver earlier. They did not particularly care for the base 500 (decent car, just not inspiring), but they LOVED the Abarth. Worth a look.

Once they hear the exhaust note, never.

Take the bargain. I did and I've not stopped grinning since.

Im not terribly familiar with them, but was that a rough generalization of power/money spent or is that actually fairly accurate? I'd always hoped they were more receptive to mods than that

I know what you mean. I jumped on the Abarth when I found I could get a well-appointed 2013 model for $19K. I have not stopped smiling since. The exhaust note is... intoxicating. Drop another $2K or so in mods, and you'll go from 160hp to nearly 200hp.

Great list, but it's mislabeled. These are really the Best Sounding Cars You Can't Buy Today (with the exception of the Abarth). I'd love to see a list of Best Sounding Cars Below $35,000.

I certainly hope they do revive the Speed3. Great cars.

Fiat 500 Abarth. Best exhaust note for the money, bar none. I make up reasons to drive places just so I can hear it snarl and growl.

Yep, good list. If you want a daily driver, GTI is the best all-arounder, though lots of folks find it too conservative. The ST Fords are great, with the Fiesta being an incredible performance bargain. Subaru WRX gives you AWD, which is a big win, but mileage will suffer a bit compared to the FWD models it competes…

I do not doubt you. Driving my Abarth around town is like one long slalom course. I'm constantly maneuvering around in my lane, looking for smooth pavement.